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J.J. Piccinich left no doubt during his draft year that he intended to be selected in the 2014 NHL Draft. A second year player in the USHL with the Youngstown Phantoms, the Boston University recruit had a breakout campaign, finishing second on the team in scoring.
The Englewood, NJ native is considered a terrific character guy who will do whatever it takes to win. The Phantoms had a difficult season in 2013-14, but he was part of a team that made it to the semifinals of the 2013 USHL Clark Cup playoffs.
Boston University head coach David Quinn broke down Piccinich's strengths in the school's release of the six players who had signed National Letters of Intent with the Terriers.
Makes great plays in the offensive zone... strong on his skates and gets to the dirty areas... game translates well to college hockey... another guy who people will enjoy away from the rink.
Piccinich won't wow fans or scouts with his hands, but he's one of those players who will just get the job done offensively. He reads plays well and seems to be in the right place at the right time. He should be a four-year player at BU before embarking on his pro career.
Piccinich, ranked 135th in Central Scouting Service's Final Rankings, went from a player on the fringe of getting drafted to a likely sixth or seventh round selection on Saturday.
Quick Facts:
J.J. Piccinich
Central Scouting Final Ranking: 135
Hometown: Englewood, NJ
2013-14 Team: Youngstown Phantoms (USHL)
2014-15 Team: Boston University (NCAA)
Height/Weight: 6-0/190
Strengths: Powerful skater with good offensive instincts, can muck and grind as well, solid character guy
Weaknesses: Lacks elite-level speed and skill
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Jeff Cox covers college, junior and high school hockey, NCAA recruiting and NHL Draft prospects. Follow him on twitter @JeffCoxSports.